Integrating trap-neuter-return campaigns into a social framework: developing long-term positive behaviour change towards unowned cats in urban areas

McDonald, J.L., Farnworth, M. ORCID: 0000-0001-6226-0818 and Clements, J., 2018. Integrating trap-neuter-return campaigns into a social framework: developing long-term positive behaviour change towards unowned cats in urban areas. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 5: 258. ISSN 2297-1769

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Abstract

Cat management is often discussed in terms of population reduction, with trap-neuter-return (TNR) campaigns commonly organized to manage unowned urban cat populations. However, long-term effectiveness is only possible if positive neutering practices are continued by local residents. Here we discuss how implementing TNR within a wider framework of social engagement has the potential to tackle cat overpopulation and instill long-term positive behavior change toward them. We demonstrate how community engagement pre-TNR can help establish a baseline of the attitudes, knowledge and behavior concerning cats. Using a case study, we explore whether this information can be linked with positive intended behavior based on intentions to arrange for neutering of unowned cats. Structural equation modeling indicated that negative attitudes toward cats and reduced knowledge around neutering reduced the likelihood of positive intended behavior. This result was underpinned by the indirect effects of perceptions of unowned cats and reduced understanding of their needs. Utilizing these results alongside an understanding of the values and motivation of the community allows for tailored and targeted education and intervention. In turn, this addresses the underlying knowledge gaps and perceptions regarding cat welfare. This framework can help address the challenge of cat management because it: (1) takes an integrative approach to identifying the motivations of communities to take responsibility for unowned cats; (2) changes the structure of the social environment, encouraging positive neutering practices for unowned cats. In turn this improves the impact and longevity of TNR campaigns whilst promoting positive welfare change for unowned and owned cats; and (3) appreciates that opinions are likely to vary hugely between areas, therefore providing an adaptable community level approach.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Creators:	McDonald, J.L., Farnworth, M. and Clements, J.
Publisher:	Frontiers Media S.A.
Date:	24 October 2018
Volume:	5
ISSN:	2297-1769
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.3389/fvets.2018.00258 DOI
Rights:	Copyright © 2018 McDonald, Farnworth and Clements. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Divisions:	Schools > School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences
Record created by:	Jill Tomkinson
Date Added:	02 Oct 2018 13:33
Last Modified:	30 Oct 2018 13:53
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/34597

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